PSSA Overview

Goal: Students will review PSSA graded essays

Students will read and discuss essays from the
The Pennsylvania System of School Assessment
Pennsylvania Department of Education Bureau of Assessment and Accountability 2009–2010

Grade 11: Writing - Item and Scoring Sampler

Scoring Guideline

Writing Domain

2007 Prompts
2007-2008 Grade 11 Writing Item and Scoring Sampler

Academic Content Standards:
15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.

Journal Day

The state of Pennsylvania is in the process of passing a law to eliminate texting and talking on a cell phone while driving. According to the proposed law, officers will now be able to pull over drivers who are seen talking on cell phones or sending a text message, solely for this violation. Any person pulled over will face a $50 fine or a $100 fine should they be in a school zone. Drivers will still be allowed to legally use hands-free devices such as Bluetooth headsets. The bill has passed almost uncontested in the state House and is now off to the state Senate for final vote. What are your thoughts on this new law? Is it a good thing? Will it save lives? Should we have stricter laws? Should we have no laws at all regarding cell phones?

Or


Write on a topic of your choice.


(Journals MUST be a minimum of 1 full page)

Academic Content Standards:
15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.

Final Dates

Goal: Students will continue to work on their research papers

By Thursday, 1/28, students should turn in the following information:

1.Completed research paper
2. Outline
3. Works Cited page

*Please follow the format explained in the original blog that discussed the format of the MLA research paper.

Academic Content Standards:
15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.

Journal Day

The people of Haiti have encountered a crisis caused by a massive earthquake. There are countless numbers of dead, injured, and homeless citizens in the country. Many countries have sent help. Volunteer groups have sent search and rescue teams, doctors, and search dogs to help. The U.S. has committed a large sum of money to help. What are your thoughts on this topic? What else can people do to help? What should countries send to Haiti? What would you do if you were in their situation?

Or


Write on a topic of your choice.


(Journals MUST be a minimum of 1 full page)

Academic Content Standards:
15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.

Due Dates for the Research Project

Wednesday, 1/13 - Finish initial research / turn in notebooks for grade

Note: Your notebook Must contain 8 note/ citation entries. 1 must be print.
You will be required to use 3 (different) in your research paper

Thursday, 1/14 - Work on the outline (A final version will be turned in with the final paper)
**The outline should provide an overview of the entire paper and should include the following:
Thesis statement, Topic sentences, examples/ details, and conclusion
***This will be graded

Friday, 1/15 - Journal

Tuesday, 1/19 - Tuesday, 1/26 - Write paper, create final outline, peer edit, create Works Cited Pages

Journal Day

Today’s journal is about what bothers you. Everyone has something that irritates them. What is your biggest pet peeve? Why does it bother you more than anything else? What do you do when you encounter the thing that drives you crazy?

Or


Write on a topic of your choice.


(Journals MUST be a minimum of 1 full page)

Academic Content Standards:
15.1.11A- Write with a distinctive focus.
1.5.11B- Write using well-developed content appropriate for the topic.
1.5.11C- Write with controlled organization.